Necesito Un Psicólogo: A Feasibility Study Examining a Behavioral Activation Telenovela Intervention for Depressed Latinas

Latines in the United States experience considerable rates of depression and while behavioral activation is an effective treatment for depression, internal and external barriers contribute to the underutilization of behavioral health services among Spanish-speaking Latines (SSLs). Fortunately, internet-based interventions have the potential to mitigate these barriers given their increased privacy, cost-effectiveness, and logistical flexibility. The present (pilot) study examined clinical outcomes and feasibility (engagement, satisfaction) with a culturally attuned behavioral activation telenovela intervention (BAD-TI) for SSLs using a quasi-experimental design. The BAD-TI is modeled after the telenovela entertainment genre (a limited-run serial drama popular in Latin America). The six-episode animated telenovela series chronicles the behavioral health journey of Maria, a Latina who is in her 40s and is experiencing depression. The six units from behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD), including the core skills from each unit, are depicted in the telenovela series. Results indicated that 21 of the 32 participants (65.63%) who enrolled in the study completed treatment and 11 of the 32 participants (34.38%) dropped out of treatment. Intent-to-treat analysis revealed that participants experienced a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptom from pre- to posttreatment. Satisfaction ratings for the intervention and engagement with the intervention was high. Results from this study suggest that behavioral activation delivered via an online telenovela intervention format is a feasible and acceptable treatment approach for depressed SSLs.